A summary of what you need to know today, compiled by The Globe’s news desk on Dec. 4, 2012

Turkey to get missile shield

NATO is expected to approve the deployment of Patriot missiles in Turkey to bolster the country’s defence of its volatile border with war-torn Syria. The missiles – to be used for defensive purposes only – would be deployed along the border to shoot down Syrian planes or missiles that threatened Turkish airspace. The step comes as the U.S. threatened the Assad regime with “consequences” in event it deploys chemical weapons in the ongoing civil war.

Drone confusion

A widely reported claim by Iran that it has captured a U.S. drone has been disputed by the Americans. Iran state run TV showed footage of what appeared to be an intact drone, but the U.S. Navy says all of its drones are accounted for. Tensions are rising over the U.S. drone program – last week Iranian war planes fired at a U.S. Predator drone over the Persian Gulf.

IOC suspends India

The International Olympic Committee has banned the Indian Olympic Association for using election procedures that could see a tainted official take a key post, according to reports. The move means that Indian athletes would lose IOC funding and be barred from competing under the Indian flag.

Canada again backs Israel in losing UN vote

For the second time in a week, Canada broke with the majority to back Israel in a vote at the United Nations. The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to call on Israel to open up its nuclear program to inspection and join the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Last week, Canada was on the losing side off a vote enhancing the standing of Palestinians at the UN, a move staunchly opposed by Israel.

A royal baby .... or babies?

Kate Middleton is spending a second day in hospital for an extreme form of morning sickness, while the world celebrated news of her pregnancy announced Monday. The U.K. press is in a predictable frenzy with much speculation cantered on whether the Duchess is carrying twins. If so, the first of the two born – regardless of sex under the new succession rules – would become third in line to the throne, The Globe’s Paul Waldie reports from London.

Hope for stalled NHL talks

A new group of faces are trying to save the NHL season. A conclave of hockey players and team owners are in direct talks today, without the NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA head Donald Fehr. For more, read a piece by The Globe’s David Ebner.

Oil lobby no stranger on the Hill

The energy industry met with cabinet ministers, MPs and senior government officials nearly 800 times in one year, according to a new report. Of the 791 meetings that took place in the 12 months prior to September, 52 were with cabinet ministers, The Globe’s Shawn McCarthy reports. Over that same period, ministers met with environmental groups who registered as lobbyists only once.

Parsing the Bank of Canada

No one expects the Bank of Canada to change interest rates today, but as always the central bank’s language will be closely examined hints of its evolving view of Canada’s weakened economy. Here is a look ahead to the 9 a.m. EST report from The Globe’s Michael Babad.

Fantino defends CIDA’s corporate shift

Canada’s foreign aid agency should work with the private sector and promote the country’s economic interests abroad, rather than limit its scope to reducing poverty, International Co-operation Minister Julian Fantino tells The Globe’s Kim Mackrael.

Fiscal cliff details, still no deal

Both the Democrats and Republicans have now outlined details of their plans to avert the so-called fiscal cliff budget crisis, but there is still no agreement less than a month before the deadline. The Republicans put forward a counteroffer on Monday, but the White House said they still weren’t ready to “get serious,” The Associated Press reports.